Superhero Utility Belt

Almost every superhero has a gadget or two that helps them get the job done. But where to put them all? In this pretend play activity, your child will not only get to design a custom superhero utility belt, she can also invent an entirely new superhero to go with it!

What You Do:

First, your child will need a superhero fit for her belt! Have her plan a superhero persona for herself. What is her superhero name? What sort of things does she do? Have her write a short biography of her superhero self, then figure out the kinds of things she might need.

Have your child write her superhero name or initials on the small cardboard circle with permanent marker. She could also decorate the circle with lightning bolts, stars or other superhero-themed emblems.

Using an old belt as a base, help your child cut a wide piece of ribbon (in a color or design she chooses) that is a slightly shorter length than the belt base. The ribbon should not cover the belt’s holes.

Help her cut a piece of instant bond double-sided fabric tape the same length as the ribbon. She can put the tape on the ribbon’s back, peel off the other side of paper from the tape, and attach her ribbon to the belt’s outward facing length.

Help your child attach paper clips, key rings, carabiner hooks, and/or binder rings around the belt and ribbon. These will hold her gadgets!

Attach the gadgets to the belt. Most items should be able to hang from the paper clips or rings, but others may be tucked inside the belt instead of hanging from it.

Attach the cardboard circle to a buckle or the front of the belt with the fabric tape.

All that’s left to do is put on the belt and save the world!

By
Beth Levin

Beth Levin has an M.A. in Curriculum and Education from Columbia University Teachers College. She has written educational activities for Macmillan/McGraw-Hill and Renaissance Learning publishers. She has a substitute teaching credential for grades K-12 in Oregon, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.